MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR BRADON NAVE😊

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?

Hello. My name is Bradon Nave. I write young adult and new adult novels and short stories. My work typically fits well within the, “coming of age, and, finding oneself, categories.” Occasionally I crave the copious use of four letter words and graphic brutality, so I’ll swerve violently from my lane and take on a gritty anthology project like I did with 13, and 13: Déjà vu. Or I’ll reach out to a good friend and hint around at a sleazy, white-trash co-author project…Shades and Shadows.

Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

Shades and Shadows was literally constructed week by week. Carissa Lynch is not only one of my favorite authors, she’s also one of my very good friends. When I approached her about this, I knew it would require bringing more than my A game. Carissa is mega talented and horror/thriller isn’t my specialty. Carissa and I talk all the time, so it wasn’t anything too formal. We kicked the idea around and then one day I just sent her a chapter. It was seriously the smoothest writing experience I’ve had to date. I love the story and the characters.

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?

I love writing YA, but there’s something so liberating about being able write about the most bizarre, taboo topics, and do it without the constraints that typically come with writing for a young adult audience.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

None really. Our characters’ psychosis fed from one-another and festered into something brutally beautiful.

Was it always meant to become a series?

Carissa and I have discussed the idea of a second book. We intentionally left the story open for a continuation. As with everything, there needs to be an appropriate demand prior to the supply. Producing a book is expensive. Shades and Shadows is still brand new. We’ll see how it does.

What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

I don’t write for a living. I work in the medical field in the world of organ donation. I only write when I am inspired to do so. I don’t and won’t force myself to write. Writing should enjoyable and fun, not a chore. I forced myself to meet a deadline once and I regret it. It won’t happen again.

Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?

Nope.
I was involved in several projects in 2017.

•Shattered Time-anthology
•Before We Fractured-series
•13: Deja Vu-anthology
•Shades & Shadows-co author
•Like Ashes We Scatter-standalone
•Myths & Magic-box set

I didn’t have enough time to devote to each of these projects and that really sucks. In 2018 I’ll be doing some promotion (on my terms), trying to hook up with an agent, and catching up.

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

In general, I love genderless names. Alex, Kacey, Charley and Bobby are names I have used in stories and books. Hell, my daughter’s name is Blaike (pronounced Blake) and my son’s name is Brennon. On my website, in the FAQ, I address the name game.

Where do your ideas come from?

Life. I love life and adventure. Even if the adventure is exploring small antique stores, hole in the wall pubs with awesome bands or finding a new running trail, I love living.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Just being real about it…it’s all the stuff that comes with it. I started writing as a way to release and let go. It’s gotten to the point where it isn’t fun anymore because of everything that’s expected of me. When I write a manuscript and submit it to my publisher, I can be sure that I’m responsible for a ridiculous amount of promotion to follow. I get it…it’s all part of it. However, I am sick of the vultureous readers who plague takeover parties and online events with their hands out, expecting to get free shit, but do nothing to help me out in return. How is that promotion? Don’t get me wrong…there are plenty of loyal readers who show up big at those evets and follow up with reviews and shares. Those readers go on to support big long afterward, and I’m certainly not talking about them. I’m talking about the cesspool that stalks so many of the online events, the ones that tag authors, demanding to know where their free stuff is. The ones who ask for more even after they’ve been awarded. I’m over them, and I won’t be associating myself with them anymore because it’s taken so much away from what writing used to mean to me. Rant over.

What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

I like book trailers. I think they can be a quick and effective way to market. I have a simple trailer for Copper Lilies. I’m not sure about a trailer for Shades and Shadows. Possibly.

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

Regarding my writing? I guess that is to be determined. I have really big goals and am far from them at this point.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

I love writing. I love capturing what’s in my head and creating some scene that takes me right there. It’s more than using words and paragraphs to tell a story. I want to pour everything into the pages so whoever is reading feels what I’m writing to the core.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I’ve already found success in writing…but as I said before, I have goals. My goals are specific and I’m one of the hardest working people I know. I know without a doubt my goals will be achieved. I don’t think it will take ten years though;) Regardless, I can honestly say I’d rather have a following of readers who truly understand and get what I’m putting out than a diluted following who might not.

Have you always liked to write?

Yes. I started writing poetry and stories at a very young age.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Be you. Write what inspires you. Be happy with what you write and take the time to tune your craft.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

I do read them. If I’ve taken part in a tour, I will tell the team thank you for reading my work. Typically, authors aren’t supposed to interact with reviewers. The Literary Gods upon High decreed this an age ago, and to do so is forbidden. If someone gives me, or any author for that matter, a poor review with constructive feedback…I’ll take it for what it’s worth. Sometimes I come across reviewers who brag about being mean to authors. They claim their harsh words help to mold and shape the author. Fuck you. Life molds and shapes authors. Not over-caffeinated, nasty people who can’t wait to put their mediocre critique into what they consider a clever and witty review. If I don’t like a book, I move on to the next. There’s literally millions to choose from.

Where did your love of books come from?

I love real books. The weight and smell of them. I love the texture and the way the pages feel. When I come across the perfect read, one where the author pulls me in and invades my brain…it’s bliss.

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

Some of my favorite authors are also my good friends. I have too many to mention.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

They change frequently. I guess Nora from Copper Lilies. She’s brave, compassionate and fierce. But on the other end of that, I really love what I did with Anderson in Shades and Shadows. That dude is totally twisted. He’s messed up in the head, but I think once the readers learn why they can be like…oh…well okay then.

Where can readers go to discover more about you and your books?

I’m active on facebook and twitter. You can use my website as a landing page. http://www.bradonnave.com

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Hot weather. I love being outdoors in the summer and usually don’t write during the warmer months.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I will only write what I’m passionate about. I write for me first. If the reader likes it, cool. That’s only a perk.

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

As I mentioned before, Carissa Lynch is a very good friend of mine. I’m also friends with Erin Lee and Chelsi Davis. When I say friends, I mean people I talk to on a regular basis…at least once or twice a week. Don’t get me wrong, there are several other authors I consider friends, but if I had a family crisis or needed to talk shit out, I would actually reach out to Carissa, Erin or Chelsi.

 

Thank you for taking your time to do this interview ❤️
Thank you!